That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King’s Slave Mate Novel

Chapter 449: A profusion of cheerful white daisies with sunny yellow centers. Emeriel's heart skipped a beat as she accepted the basket. Despite herself, her lips curled into a smile.

What are you doing?

But her hands refused to let go of the gift.

Burying her face in the fragrant blooms, Emeriel inhaled deeply, the scent filling her lungs, warm and sweet. If the lilies from his people had calmed her, these daisies brought a kingly warmth to her entire being.

Dangerous, dangerous path.

The sensible thing would be to return the flowers, thank the king for his hospitality, and politely decline the gesture. Or, better yet, give the daisies away to someone else and keep her distance.

But her feet carried her across the room. Setting the basket down, she rummaged for an empty vase, filled it with water, and gently arranged the daisies within it. She had no business placing the vase by the side of her bed.

It's okay, I'm not staying anyway, she reasoned as she stepped back, surveying her work.

Once King Daemonikai fully recovered, whether the bond rekindled or not, Emeriel would return to Navia.

This was temporary. Fleeting.

The flowers didn't mean anything.

"Thank you so much for your help, Princess," the soldier said with gratitude.

"It's alright. Your daughter is my friend."

Latest chapters ɢαlnσνe????s․com

Emeriel glanced at little Dabekka, who sat beside her, gazing up with wide, appreciative eyes. She ruffled the youngling's hair. "I'm glad I could help."

"Bekka told me you've been visiting daily," the soldier said, his voice filled with emotion. "You saved my beloved's life." He looked close to tears again, and Emeriel shifted uncomfortably. "I had no idea she was ill. Bekka can't use a messenger bird yet."

Shame entered the girl's doe-like eyes. Emeriel smiled at her and then said to her father, "She could learn, you know. Start early. Bekka is smart."

"That she is," he agreed, his gaze soft as he looked at his sleeping bondmate. Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss on her cheek. "My dearest beloved," he whispered. "I'm here now. I'll take good care of you, I promise."

So much love in those eyes.

Emeriel's heart clenched, and the walls of the room seemed to close in.

"I have to take my leave now," she said abruptly, turning toward the door.

"Wait!"

Emeriel paused, glancing back over her shoulder.

The soldier stood awkwardly, guilt written all over his face. He couldn't meet her eyes. "I've been meaning to apologize," he began, his voice heavy. "That day, in the courtyard… I was among those who wanted you imprisoned without food or water. When His Highness, Zaiper, commanded it, I was glad. And when the king overruled him, I was disappointed. I even wished for you to die."

He swallowed hard, shame evident in his every word. "The guilt has plagued me since then. You didn't hurt anyone. It's not your fault you were born human. Seeing how you've been helping-how you saved my Dabekka and my beloved-I can hardly live with myself." He finally looked up, his eyes pleading. "Please, forgive me."

.

.

.